This affiliation agreement between the graduate School of Physical therapy and the Departments of Biology, Exercise and Rehabilitative Science, Health and Safety affords select undergraduates the opportunity to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in six, rather than seven years. Under this joint affiliation agreement those students that have successfully completed six semesters of designated undergraduate course work at Slippery Rock University (SRU) may matriculate into the graduate School of Physical therapy. Students apply for admission to the DPT program at the end of their junior year. Successful completion of the first year of the DPT program satisfies fourth year undergraduate degree requirements. In the event a student does not gain admission into the DPT program for their foirth year of study the student can complete their undergraduate major degree requirements during their fourth year. At that point the student has the option to reapply for admission to the DPT Program.

All applicants to the DPT program are evaulated to the same criteria, provided all the requirements for admission (i.e. GRE, volunteer hours, etc.) have been satisfied, and have completed the requisite course work.

Finally, the graduate School of Physical therapy program reserves a minimum of 20% of its seats for qualified 3+3 applicants.